WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — The Guardian has secured bodycam footage following a lawsuit filed Thursday, providing disturbing details of Tim West’s death in police custody on October 1. The incident, initially suppressed by officials, ignited a firestorm of debate on local social media, prompting an official police statement by Tuesday.
In the footage, West, a passenger in a Mustang stopped by Washington Court House Police, hastily exits and sprints towards nearby bushes. As he starts to emerge, an officer, without verbal warning, confronts and tases West in the forehead. West immediately collapses face-forward, appearing unconscious. As the first officer handcuffs him, a backup officer arrives approximately two minutes later, noting West’s potential lifelessness. The duo commence CPR, but West is later pronounced dead at the hospital.
A source disclosed anonymously to The Guardian that while two puncture marks were identified on West—one on his forehead and another missing its prong—the direct cause of West’s demise remains ambiguous. Preliminary indicators suggest blunt force trauma, but the official manner—whether accidental, homicide, or undetermined—is still pending. Dr. Lenora Fitton, Fayette County Coroner, faced hindrance from the police department in giving her the video, causing delays in her investigations.
Ohio’s Attorney General has taken over the case. Despite discovering a pocket knife on West, there were no indications he brandished it. Yet, some officers privately referred to him as “armed.” Speculation abounds over the driver’s identity, potentially an undercover operative, but officials remain silent.
The incident has polarized public opinion. While some criticize West’s actions, citing “play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” a considerable faction argues the contrary, emphasizing West’s right to life. His motive for fleeing remains uncertain. According to a statement from the police department, at the time of the traffic stop, West had an indictment through the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas for aggravated possession of drugs, a third-degree felony. The department said he was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics during the incident.
West, a Florida native new to Washington Court House, had a clean local criminal record other than the pending secret incident. The incident’s initiating officer is on paid administrative leave, but his identity remains undisclosed. Additionally, the rationale for the traffic stop is yet to be made public.
The Guardian’s pursuit of additional information continues, including the request for dashcam footage and the incident report. Meanwhile, West’s family, in conversation with The Guardian, expressed their anguish, highlighting their inability to proceed with funeral arrangements without the coroner’s report and death certificate.